diff --git a/lisp/textmodes/outline.el b/lisp/textmodes/outline.el
index f12518c4051..f9717798b3d 100644
--- a/lisp/textmodes/outline.el
+++ b/lisp/textmodes/outline.el
@@ -620,7 +620,8 @@ With argument, move up ARG levels."
 	      (> arg 0)
 	      (not (bobp)))
     (let ((present-level (funcall outline-level)))
-      (while (not (< (funcall outline-level) present-level))
+      (while (and (not (< (funcall outline-level) present-level))
+		  (not (bobp)))
 	(outline-previous-visible-heading 1))
       (setq arg (- arg 1)))))